I have to reiterate the comments of Brulee. Garyl, if tubes color the sound in your opinion, why are you going with Blue Circle? I am a big fan of Blue Circle, and feel their preamps add a buttery toned glow(that I happen to like) to the music. From your definition, that certainly is not neutral or desired. To get down to the heart of what I believe, I think that solid state equipment is too clinical, analytical, and sterile sounding. Does not sound like real music to me, no matter how it measures. I am not ashamed to admit that I prefer tubes, and admit they color the sound in some ways(interesting that Brulee believes ss colors the music more - never thought about it that way). To me, the ss vs. tube debate is a bit analogous to videotape vs. film question. Videotape "measurements" say it is more accurate, but very few people prefer it to film. Film is just softer, warmer, and more natural. Good luck with your new equipment.
